Introduction to Jazz Drumming | Drum Lesson

Broken Time Drumming
www.jonathancu...
In this video I outline a basic approach to jazz drumming. Jazz can be a difficult genre and style to get into, so in this video I break down a few simple coordination methods to get you started, as well as a few key rhythms to listen out for.
Of course, there is no substitute for listening to jazz, so be sure to be listening to jazz music whilst studying the coordination.
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Jonathan Curtis proudly endorses Bosphorus Cymbals

[@jmfs3497]

Great kick drum/ride exercise. That's an area of playing that I feel is holding me back a bit. This is a very simple "I can watch TV and develop muscles" exercise.

[@scumoftheearth741]

I'm not a professional drummer and always was quite scared of the Jazz as it seemed like something impenetrable for people who didn't spend 5 years in a music school. But this video really inspired me to start practicing the basics, thank you for a nicely laid-out and concise lesson!

[@bussboy3740]

This is one of the best breakdowns of jazz I have come across, extremely helpful for an older guy just learning thank you sir !!

[@JCurtisDrums]

Thanks a lot! I'm glad you've found it useful.

[@A.ChristopherJohnson]

Amen Buss Boy !!

[@keithgreene79]

I'm in the same boat. I'm a gigging drummer but never played jazz drums professionally. I just joined a jazz group so this is going to be great for my development.

[@CrochetNewsNetwork]

Agree 100%

[@martinvelez9250]

Another older guy (conga/bongo player for 35 years) that just bought a drum set and love jazz. Thanks for breaking this down. You are a very good teacher.

[@JCurtisDrums]

Thank you very much. Enjoy your journey!

[@SaltBushCity]

Hey Martin, I'm in same position, 50yo percussion player thinking about buying a kit. How's it going?

[@martinvelez9250]

@@SaltBushCity Hey Mick. Learning to play the drum set has improved my clave based bongo and conga playing in ways I don't quite understand, probably the 4 way coordination and sticking plus all the rudiments, learning to read and all the different styles I've been exploring. I've been at it for about 4 years, especially now during the Covid, I practice a lot. Get yourself a drum set and a good teacher. You won't regret it !

[@SaltBushCity]

@@martinvelez9250 Interesting. Thanks a lot.

[@joshowens3593]

I stopped at about 9 minutes in. I’m going to practice ride and hi hat for a while then come back to this video.

[@OfficialBigBoyThings]

same

[@skootermcshooter5969]

When I started I started playing at or (+/-) 35 BPM. Its very slow but I did it until both my feet and both my arms could play different beats and speeds differently. SLOW SLOW SLOW UNTIL YOU GET IT.

[@DrumTeacherManila]

This is the best introduction to jazz drumming I've ever seen on youtube...

[@JCurtisDrums]

Drum Teacher Manila thank you, I’m really glad you liked it.

[@Vanolo999]

This is the best introduction to jazz, perfect. Breaking the fundamentals of each limb and how to combine them, the philosophy's seem so obvious now, teaching jazz like building a house. Thankyou very much, couldn't have made a better video

[@youfoundmeo7537]

Wow this is so much more helpful than my private lesson it helped me understand the fundamentals and move on to the more advanced comping pattern. Thank you so much!

[@JCurtisDrums]

Thanks, glad you liked it.

[@vincentbuonora8477]

Excellent lesson. I play Stick Control on Ride R and Left as snare...you get some cool almost Latin jazz sounding beats

[@Frank1979Zappa]

Great lesson! No BS here. Essential basics, presented in a very convincing, real life style. Will recommend it to my students.

[@JCurtisDrums]

Frank1979Zappa thank you! I appreciate your comment.

[@itzshay8296]

Nice to see people putting in effort and spend their time to educate others, keep going 👍🏽 great drummer as well

[@JCurtisDrums]

Thank you! I really appreciate the kind comment. Be sure to explore the more recent videos on my channel too.

[@JosephRegala]

The best intro to jazz playing on the kit, that I have come across. Awesome, thanks!

[@JCurtisDrums]

Thank you!

[@aimilist]

Im a jazz pianist wanting to get my rythmic game on, get to know more in depth how drummers think . Yjis helped a lot, thanks mate !

[@joelhautala3595]

Great attitude man! Now you think like a musician. :)

[@eboyeman8457]

I'm a jazz drummer and gospel pianist

[@stefevr]

@@eboyeman8457 ok

[@LimpBizkit999]

I’ve been drumming for years but have had a very tough time with a proper introduction to jazz. This is the only channel that has helped. Thanks mate 🔥🥁

[@JCurtisDrums]

Thanks, glad it’s helped you!

[@JCurtisDrums]

Hi mate. Just wanted to check in (9 months later!) to see how you're getting on. I was really pleased to hear that this video helped you. Have you continued to progress? I've published a drumming book on jazz drumming recently; if you're interested, I can email you a free sample. If you drop me a message through www.jonathancurtis.co.uk it's yours! Tell me how you're getting on, too! Cheers.

[@richardpine8011]

This is essential watching for any drummer looking to get into jazz. Really great content and well presented!

[@JCurtisDrums]

Thanks Richard, that's a very nice comment to receive.

[@Marsha0099]

That is a great help, great lesson for start. Thank you, that will make a difference, I didn't know where to go, not even with the normal drum lessons.

[@JCurtisDrums]

You’re very welcome. I’d encourage you to check out the newer videos on my channel. I have completely redefined my approach to jazz drumming since this video, including publishing a book on jazz drumming. Let me know if you find anything that helps you, or stop by and say hello at www.jonathancurtis.co.uk

[@gerardclaude1652]

This is the best lesson that I have found on KZbin. Thanks so much!

[@JCurtisDrums]

Thanks! Glad you liked it.

[@thomasszirtes1614]

I watched so many videos about jazz drumming but this by far the best I have found. Thanks a lot

[@JK4ManC]

This is a brilliant lesson. Wish I could have seen this 45 years ago.

[@JCurtisDrums]

Thank you. And it’s never too late. I hope you enjoy working on this material.

[@devyneynes8487]

Hello, I would like to see classes on how to follow a jazz theme, from beginning to end, with all its parts, bridges etc. So far there are thousands of videos that teach to play the drums in jazz from the technical but none that explains and shows on a subject part by part from beginning to end and I think it is a good opportunity to teach that. Greetings from Argentina, thanks!

[@mayanksingh958]

Thank you so much for this video. I was always having a hard time while counting and playing to my favourite jazz numbers.

[@steveward4432]

Another logical, well thought out and presented tutorial. Excellent.

[@JCurtisDrums]

steve ward thank you Steve. It means a lot to me to receive comments like this, and really helps me to keep going.

[@tobytoxd]

@@JCurtisDrums Your lesson reminds me of Benny Greb Language of Drumming :)

[@Arsalan-Pervez]

This lesson is incredible ❤

[@JCurtisDrums]

Thanks Arsalan. Be sure to explore my more recent videos, as this one is a few years old now!

[@Yhdyssanakoe]

As a beginner this is pretty tough, but I will come back to this! Thank you mate

[@clintonsalmeron8859]

This video was my first jazz drum lesson ever and I'm hooked. Thank you!

[@JCurtisDrums]

Enjoy the ride! (Pun intended)

[@clintonsalmeron8859]

@@JCurtisDrumsHa, yes! I just got home from work and ready to practice! Cheers!

[@JCurtisDrums]

Hi Clinton. I just wanted to check in and see how you're getting on with your jazz drumming. Did you keep going with it? I'd love to hear from you. I've also published a book on jazz drumming now, would you like a free sample? Drop me an email through my website ( www.jonathancurtis.co.uk ) and I'll email it across to you. Don't forget to tell me how you're getting on with your own playing, too! best wishes, Jonathan.

[@Craigo-xg5mc]

Fantastic explanation to help me remember the basics and building blocks. Thank you.

[@jimstone6071]

I’m 56 and after32 years of drumming I’m Starting on jazz...and I’m getting an EYEBALL HEADACHE..SERIOUSLY that you for the lessons...Jim. Hammond Louisiana..👍👍🙏🥁✌️

[@chaotic_cheeto5654]

Thank you, have been having trouble finding where to start jazz drumming.

[@JCurtisDrums]

Thanks, and I'm glad this has been helpful. Feel free to contact me at www.jonathancurtis.co.uk if you'd like any more insights into this style of playing, or a free a sample of my book on jazz drumming. Best wishes!

[@jimstone6071]

After 35 years of playing drums all over USA back in the 90s ...I’m starting and I have an Eyeball headache...😂😂👍👍

[@marcosmenezes3742]

thank you for this !! I am a rock drummer and I enjoy samba a lot (I am Brazillian) and these grooves come from such a diferent perspective and I never know how to aproach it in the way they sound good . I totally understand now !

[@JCurtisDrums]

My pleasure, I'm glad this has helped you. Be sure to explore some of the more recent videos on my channel. I've refined my approach a little in the years since this one was published.

[@hananshells8055]

Wow, This is a great Jazz lesson for a beginner and older drummer like me! Gosh have a lot to learn, even at age 65,!!! Thank you sir, and yes already sucribed! God Bless. ❤️

[@CrochetNewsNetwork]

I’m 65 as well and a past pop LA session drummer. Now I can grasp jazz basics,

[@JCurtisDrums]

Hi Hanan. Sorry for the slow reply! I'm really grateful for your comments. How are you getting on with your own jazz journey. I'd love to hear from you. You might also like a free sample of my book on jazz drumming. Feel free to contact me through my website: www.jonathancurtis.co.uk and tell me how you're getting on.

[@JCurtisDrums]

Thank you, I'm really pleased to hear you're exploring something new and getting the hang of it. As with Hanan, I'd love to hear how you're getting on. Keep me updated; you can contact me through my website at www.jonathancurtis.co.uk

[@Andrew_85]

What a gem of an introduction. Thanks for making this. I’m right at the start of my journey.

[@soccerteacher8]

Superb breakdown! After one viewing and one practice session from memory, using your suggestion to switch fluidly on the ride between quarter note, swung eighth notes, and triplets while maintaining the upbeat with the hi-hat, my playing has improved! Much appreciated!

[@JCurtisDrums]

Great stuff Erik! I'm really glad to hear that you've made a breakthrough. Thanks for the kind words, too.

[@chetguida9572]

Fantastic!! Love these exercises.

[@arpitchoudhury5221]

This is a brilliant video to get started with Jazz drumming. I've never gotten myself to break the rhythm of rock but this has been helpful!

[@willmonson7730]

Very good,to the point introduction!

[@JCurtisDrums]

Thanks Will, I'm glad you like it. Let me know if you'd like a free pdf sample of my book on jazz drumming. All the best!

[@JCurtisDrums]

I forgot to say, if you'd like a sample, you need to email me through my website: www.jonathancurtis.co.uk

[@braaaaaains]

Surprised this doesn't have more views. This was probably the most concise intro for a pop/rock drummer unfamiliar with jazz structure. Thank you.

[@Since-UniqueOriginalPersonaliz]

I don't play drums - I've never played drums. But, I really want to learn how to 'listen' to jazz music. I've played many syncopated guitar parts, but, when listening to jazz, I usually get lost in the beat while trying to tap my toes. This video is actually very helpful toward that goal. It appears that the ride cymbal is like the North Star, so just knowing that is huge! Thanks.

[@JCurtisDrums]

Thanks for the comment. I'm glad this video has helped you in some way. You might like to try some of my more recent videos on jazz drumming. My approach and concepts have evolved a fair amount since this video was published. Many thanks.

[@tmaddrummer]

Thanks and Blessings!!!

[@BimeB1234]

Buss Boy , totaly agree. GREAT LESSON thank you Jonathan!

[@daljeetghag3321]

Wow, my brain just exploded... Great information. Thanks for sharing

[@kaizadmullafiroze9789]

I really like the way you explain God bless you 🙏🏻

[@unitstudio2542]

Have just seen this today but your such a good teacher thnks please

[@JCurtisDrums]

Thank you very much 🙏

[@nickespina1975]

17:06 you Sir, are a good teacher. Kudos!

[@acousticproject6816]

thank you man, hi from Colombia South America

[@stevepethel6843]

Very interesting insight on ride and hi hats importance...You are Great and a help to me thank you sir...

[@VitalBigras]

This is great !

[@chewgumer]

A very good introduction to jazz drumming, As he says,it`s important to listen to all the greats to further your playing with musicality and getting away from playing with an instruction book approach, Some drummers I feel, never get away from book exercises & continue to play with that mechanical feel when actually playing live with musicians. There was a very famous American drummer who once said "Learn it all, then forget it." Listen to the arrangement & then compliment the soloists by making their playing sound as good as possible, edging them on with rhythmical ideas.

[@Blastfence1]

Excellent!

[@JCurtisDrums]

Many thanks!

[@dylangatenby9928]

Awesome lesson! Enjoyed it thoroughly.

[@adrianlogie3749]

Great video. Well enjoyed.

[@djmileski]

Great video. Thank you!

[@JCurtisDrums]

You are welcome! 🙏

[@daveappleton7523]

Wish you lived down the street...I'd so be knocking on your door for lessons👍...nice teaching

[@buselakeju]

A good and very simple explanation, particularly for thous who do not have a clear understanding and insight feeling in thus three types of notes. additionally, I can recommend looking in Jim's Chapin book Coordinated Independence. Thank you, Jonathan, for such a good job. Very Keep goin'.

[@JCurtisDrums]

Hi Janis. Thanks for your message and kind words. I'm glad you think it's a good video. You're right, Chapin's books are great (did you know there is a second volume?), Thanks again, Jonathan

[@knun6227]

this is great. thank you, sir

[@JCurtisDrums]

Thanks for the kind comments. Please stop by the website and say hello! www.jonathancurtis.co.uk

[@AKRehmonen]

Have you noticed that syncopation line goes to the melody of Rudolf the Reindeer? That christmassong... 😊

[@mart6571]

Thank you for this goldmine of a lesson!

[@alistairrigby6375]

I am a metal drummer but for some reason im here and i love it. played with triplets before. and syncopation

[@spark_6710]

It might help you to be more original metal drummer ! Back in the 70's & 80's ,British rock ( rock/ hard rock )drummers were very influenced by jazz drummers ! My all time favourites Ian Paice & Ginger Baker amongth 'em ! And my soulmate late Jon Lee ( Feeder ) ! He was only 11,but people knew he was real advanced already ! 💜💜💜🥁🎵🐉🎤🎶💕💞

[@timcline2799]

Woww Excellent. This is the best insight. I’m just starting Ted Reeds book. Ty!

[@TheSPACEDIEVEST1]

This is a great lesson. Thank you my friend for making this practical.

[@TheStobb50]

Very interesting and clear, thank you

[@foxwagnon]

By far the most clear and informative video on jazz drumming I've seen on KZbin. Good job

[@JCurtisDrums]

Thank you very much!

[@dwightbernheimer331]

Very interesting. At almost 80 years old playing mostly guitar and bass in Rock and Doo-wop bands most of my life. I've noticed that people you play for whether they're dancing or in the audience, if you didn't have a high hat they wouldn't even notice lol just sayin' most people listen and move to the beat the rest is just icing on the cake... thanks for posting.

[@johnnyperki6267]

So good brother!!

[@markatkinson299]

Great video, thank you. Learned a lot.

[@omaribanez9092]

Jhon Riley philosophy, great stuff for the jazz drummer!! Greetings from México 🇲🇽!!

[@BobCropsey]

Great lesson. Thank you.

[@StoicLoneWolf380]

Love playing jazz! Put that 2 and 4 on auto-pilot on the hi-hat and play with the ride...

[@bobweber4140]

Just starting out with jazz perfect instruction thank you nice job

[@furgoneto6088]

The most helpful introduction I've been searching for a while, you have a new suscriber here. Thank you, sir. By the way, could you recommend any essentials jazz albums? I've been listening Kind of Blue, Giant Steps and Duke Ellington & John Coltrane lately. Again, thanks for your help :)

[@JCurtisDrums]

Sure! Try: - Nefertiti (Miles Davis) - For Musicians Only (Dizzy Gillespie) - Now He Sings, Now He Sobs (Chick Corea) - Personal Mountains (Keith Jarrett) - Free For All (Art Blakey) - Four and More (Miles Davis)

[@JCurtisDrums]

Hi Cesar. Just following up to see how you're getting on. How is your own jazz journey coming along, both listening and drumming? I'd love to discuss it further with you. You might also be interested in my own book on jazz drumming. If you like, I can email you a free sample. Just drop me a message at www.jonathancurtis.co.uk and tell me how you're getting on!

[@mikemike7345]

Very great way explained it and broke it down thank you

[@tonybillly01]

bravo...great...1 o 2 and 6 ..on the ride.

[@RvP6384]

Thank you so much for this video!! Subbed! (can't understand why people would dislike this video... Probably they kept their phone upside down)

[@JCurtisDrums]

Hi, and thanks for the kind comment. People will always find something to dislike, I wouldn't worry about it. Looking back in hindsight, I think this video is relatively immature compared to my more recent ones, and I do understand some people's aversion to my approach here. That said, plenty of people seem to be getting something out of it, nevertheless. Anyway, welcome aboard!

[@bobbysands6923]

Ted Reed lives forever!!! I'm 60 and still use it!

[@JCurtisDrums]

bobby sands yep it’s timeless!

[@johaballves8084]

Excelente aula, parabéns!!

[@lukegregg5944]

Good lesson Jonathan!

[@JCurtisDrums]

Thanks :)

[@Bob-nu3xe]

1.43 there's a lot more too it than that! yep a life time of learning to be precise

[@JCurtisDrums]

That’s the joy of it. A lifetime of learning.

[@moosey62]

Great! Thanks!

[@VaguePlan]

Thank you

[@stephenfournier694]

Man, this really made so much sense! Thanks for the excellent instruction!!

[@JCurtisDrums]

Thanks Stephen, I'm glad you liked it.

[@vivi-fe1jy]

thank for you help!!

[@youssefammar2615]

Can you pls recommend interesting jazz drummers that I can listen to familiarize myself a bit with drumming in that genre

[@JCurtisDrums]

Absolutely: - Tony Williams - Elvin Jones - Jack DeJohnette - Roy Haynes - Paul Motian - Jon Christensen - Brian Blade - Jeff “Tain” Watts Plenty there to be getting on with!

[@Nathan00at78Uuiu]

Have people talked about sonic coordination? I find it hard playing the ride pattern when random snare sounds are happening. So seems like getting used to that along with the physical movements are sources of coordination.

[@JCurtisDrums]

You might consider this book: www.jonathancurtis.co.uk/brokentimedrumming it does away with anything "random", and focuses on phrasing and understanding the vocabulary very deeply.

[@markoleven3712]

Thank God a jazz drummer lesson with a kick drum that not sounds like a biscuit tin played in a tunnel.

[@xaptronic]

Nice intro, "I can throw down, now let's talk"

[@JCurtisDrums]

Alex Pilon haha thanks. That was the idea!

[@bassmonk2920]

How do I get the hi-hat to always go to 2&4 is it an independence ability?

[@JCurtisDrums]

Yes absolutely. One idea is to make it a habit to play the hi-hat on 2 and 4 whenever you play and whatever you practice. Over time, you will find you are able to keep the hi-hat going without thinking about it. Be patient and persistent!

[@peterequations]

Hi Jonathan, can you tell me where you buy the sound absorbing panels?

[@JCurtisDrums]

Hi, I got them from here: advancedacoustics-uk.com/ Hope that helps, thanks.

[@4realzibo669]

Flawless

[@houckbill]

Can you share with us what ride cymbal you're playing, and the gram weight?

[@JCurtisDrums]

Hi, sorry for the delayed response. It's a Bosphorus Traditional Series 22" ride, at around 2100g.

[@houckbill]

@@JCurtisDrums Thank you.

[@bowgart5567]

i want to learn jazz drumming just to spice up my playing

[@JCurtisDrums]

Hi there. Really sorry for the slow reply! Did you ever pursue learning jazz drumming? I agree that it's a great way to spice up your playing. If you'd like to discuss it further, please drop me a message through my website www.jonathancurtis.co.uk You might be interested in a free sample of my book on jazz drumming; otherwise I'd just like to hear how your own jazz studies are progressing!

[@starkid9736]

top

[@rlkaras5673]

What hi hats are you using in this vid? I’ve seen it else where and I love the sound but i don’t know the brand or name

[@JCurtisDrums]

Hi Runebe. These particular hi-hats are 13" Bosphorus Antique series. I've also got their Master Vintage and Syncopation SW hi-hats, both 14", which feature in other videos. Cheers.

[@rlkaras5673]

Jonathan Curtis thanks!

[@christianescobedo66]

I hope I'm not the only one who wet my pants from that intro of the vid (I am a beginner so I might sound astound)

[@physicsparty8963]

Love that drumming. Would the style. I better keep trying. :)

[@licenciadoensentidocomun70]

When you are comping with your left on the snare using that Ted Reed´s you are doing it with a swing feel. So doing that syncopation with triples on the snare...I´m also studying that using straight eighth notes (without the swing feel) on the snare. Is that useful for playing jazz? Cos i´ve got the impression that most of the jazz drummers i hear they comp the snare with triplet feel. Can we also use straight eighth notes in a real situation? Sorry for the question but i never play jazz before! Cheers!

[@JCurtisDrums]

Hi there. Interesting questions. It is, of course, POSSIBLE to comp with straight 8ths against a swung ride cymbal. If performed well, it can create a sort of contrasting rhythmic affect against the triplet feel on the ride. The question is whether you'd really want to. Most swing swings because it swings! In my experience it's rarely a good idea to break that swing feel, and comping with straight 8ths would definitely break the swing feel. In direct answer to your question, you technical CAN use straight 8ths, but probably wouldn't want to in a "real situation". I would suggest a better use of your time is to become as proficient as possible with a triplet feel, and then explore further vocabulary to accentuate the swing, rather than contrasting it with straight 8th notes.

[@licenciadoensentidocomun70]

@@JCurtisDrums Excellent mate! thank you very much!

[@olejakob9216]

Ok so there is SO MANY positive things to say about this lesson but I’m gonna start with the end, so you say that as long as a person knows the jazz rhythms/how it SHOULD sound then coordination skills isn’t that big of a deal? In that case that’s the best news I’ve gotten today as I’m very bad at coordination 🙈 in my humble opinion jazz , if you think 1930-40 jazz isn’t rocket science (and I’m new to drumming overall) in big band jazz the important parts is the ride and the hi hat as you say yourself, not many drummers says that, they make jazz into this scary big monster but the way I see it you should start with the spangalang ride pattern and hihat and the snare and toms to me is just improvised spice to add, I’m weak for snare “bombs” in swing jazz, this is how I’ve been playing around with jazz drumming but because of comments about this great mythical art form of jazz drumming I get served I get demotivated thinking I’m doing it all wrong when jamming to stuff like big band music, what’s your thoughts about this?

[@JCurtisDrums]

Hi, and thanks for your kind comments. I think you are having a very important revelation, by the sound of it! You absolutely do not need extremely high levels of coordination to play jazz. What you do need is a willingness to express yourself, the music, and to listen to what is happening around you. It is true that some of the more "advanced" patterns that some people like to play in jazz require some pretty stiff coordination, but these aren't required to make the music sound good, they are just different ways in which that particular drummer might like to express themselves. Honestly, a good jazz drummer could make the music swing with nothing but a ride cymbal, which, assuming you're playing it with one hand, requires no coordination whatsoever, just a good grasp of the rhythms you are trying to express. Don't worry about doing anything wrong. If nothing else, jazz music is about exploration and expression. If you're expressing yourself truly, you're doing it right, whether it's with the most advanced and complex pattern imaginable, or a simple swing pattern on the ride. I think the best thing you could do is to listen to as much jazz as possible, and make the connection between what the drummer is doing and the music with which they are playing. You'll see that all of the "advanced" phrasing is just decoration on top of the main theme. The main role is to provide a solid and swinging time feel. Go forth and swing, my friend!

[@olejakob9216]

Wow thanks for the long and detailed answer, I see that we think about jazz the very same way, to me jazz is very much improv around a basic rhythm, I like music like that cause it’s easy to learn and when u feel comfy with let’s say an easy ride pattern you can have fun with adding stuff, same with stuff like rock and the money beat, boring but so easy to make exciting when you get into the groove, drums are so deliciously free to me compared to other instruments (probably because I know the basics of drums more than let’s say guitar but😅) improv on drums is the best 😍 I like free jazz but my problem with free jazz is that I only love the drum parts and it’s impossible to really groove to, I like the late jazz like the 50s and 60s but I relay a lot on listening to the other musicians because I feel I do a better job then but newer jazz or well 50-60s is very difficult to follow because the horns are all over the place, like I’m doing a basic ride pattern and everything goes smooth and boom the trumpet takes a really sharp turn and just dances away everywhere 😂😂😂 Improv is fun for a beginner at least I think cause I forget to think so much about basics like oh I should count those one and a two an a, all the A’s 😫 I just find a nice pattern and get an ok feel about what the other players do and goes from there, I’m a really good listener so I think that’s what’s saving me

[@JCurtisDrums]

Hi again. It's been a while, but I thought I'd check in an see how you're getting on. Are you having any success in your own jazz playing? You might be interested in my own book on jazz drumming. I can email you a free sample if you like, and I'd love to talk more about it with you. Feel free to drop me a message at www.jonathancurtis.co.uk and I can email you through a sample. Best wishes!

[@Introspectiverider99]

1:10 so true lol

[@adamalexanderray]

Very informative and useful video. I subscribed as I was very interested in your soundproofing videos, especially as I converted my garage into a soundproof room not so long ago. I hope you are enjoying your well earned practice space. The issue I have with playing Jazz (and I think this is the big stumbling block for me with being able to approach it on the drums) is I just don’t listen to Jazz, and therefore don’t think or conceptualise within the common frameworks of the genre. One thing I love about drumming (and music generally) is how different you can approach the same instrument to evoke such contrasting expression. I find the conceptualisation and execution of the genre very interesting, but I just don’t think I’ve listened to enough Jazz to really “get it” subconsciously to influence my approach to the instrument. Any recommendations?

[@JCurtisDrums]

Hi Adam. Thank you for your comments, I'm glad you're enjoying the videos. The final video on the studio construction is coming, I just didn't want to upload it before the studio was completely finished. We've been working on drainage and external detailing, so we're nearly finished, but Part 8 is on its way! You're absolutely right about listening to it in order to conceptualise certain things. On the one hand, there is nothing wrong with studying jazz drumming from a purely technical or stylistic point of view to give yourself some new ideas and facility with other styles that you play. From a musical approach however, to play jazz the way most people expect it to be played (which is a good thing or not, depending on your opinions etc.), you would certainly need to dedicate a bit of time to listening to more jazz. As for recommendations, how about starting early and working forward. Take some early jazz like the early Count Bassie stuff, real swing era. Drummers like Papa and Philly Jo Jones. Then, anything with Miles Davis and Tony Williams, and John Coltrane and Elvin Jones. These two (Miles/Williams, Coltrane/Jones) really defined modern bebop. How about starting with "Four and More" by Miles Davis, and "Giant Steps" by Coltrane. Things that really influenced my playing: - For Musicians Only - Gillespie/Getz/Stitt - A Love Supreme - Coltrane - My Favourite Things - Coltrane - Miles Smiles - Davis More modern jazz: - Avishai Cohen - Gently Disturbed - Chick Corea Akoustic Band - Live at Tokyo Blue Note There's loads, but maybe check these out first. Good luck!

[@RTFan52]

A slight quibble with this answer - Giant Steps had Art Taylor on drums (except Jimmy Cobb on the track Naima), Elvin joined Coltrane on the next album. Still definitely a classic album and an important one to listen to.

[@JCurtisDrums]

Good spot! Thanks for the correction.

[@JesseP.Watson]

Regarding learning jazz for technical gains, I can vouch for that... I'm not really interested in breaking into the jazz scene since it's a little too cerebral for my tastes (though I do enjoy it on occassion). Funk and break beats are my real passion. Since a lot of the great funk drummers were also jazz players it seemed logical to do likewise - to learn the rhythmic anscestry of the genre. That's paying off now, playing hip-hop with a group at the moment I'm able to find some heavy grooves in those simple beats as a result of my work exploring the different ways I might swing the 'jang-a-lang' ride pattern. Jazz does seem to open a window into elements of time-keeping that may be hard to access otherwise.

[@azotro]

im only here because of whiplash

[@markielinhart]

That you are technically brilliant and a good teacher is beyond dispute, but your casual dismissal of John Riley and his books, not to mention his extensive library of videos, does you little favour. What Riley has is soul. In spades. Have you watched his Jazz Soloing video on The Art of Drumming? ✌️🌻

[@JCurtisDrums]

Thank you for your kind words, but I think you are misunderstanding my thoughts on John Riley. Not only have I extensively studied both of John’s Bop Drumming books, but I know him personally and have worked with him on a specialised jazz book since this video was published. No one is a bigger John Riley fan than I am. That doesn’t mean we have to agree on everything though. He and I had long discussions about concepts, yet managed to do it cordially and respectfully. It’s been years since I made this video so I can’t recall what precisely I say about John here, but I assure you it is coming from a place of admiration and respect. Have a watch or this, and that should be clearer: kzbin.info/www/bejne/boXNqJSdj9ONlZI

[@Ericbjohnston5150]

A real drummer can play Sing sing sing. jk

[@spark_6710]

That is a COOL piece featured real COOL drummings ! I much prefer that version than w/ vocal version which sucked ! My mom was a jazz singer ,she hated singing that song on the stages ,too ! Lol. I really LOVE that drumming work in that tune ! I still play it ( cd ) often to this day ! 👍💜💜💜🥁🎵🐉🎤🎶💞